Campus Talk

Environmental protection has become part of daily practice. This conversation focuses on expressions about how to sort garbage – though it sounds like a trivial matter, it is something people encounter every day. Also, some phrases about asking for tips or suggestions are introduced.

(Shelly and Julia are in the kitchen.)

Shelly: Julia, why do you look so puzzled?

Julia: (sigh) Well, I want to throw away the garbage, but don’t know how to sort it.

Shelly: Don’t worry. I’ll help you. What have you got here?

Julia: Hmm, some old clothes, papers, kitchen waste and general waste. Oh, I also need to throw away lots of batteries.

Shelly: For general waste, you can just dump it into the garbage collection truck. The rest is recyclable, except batteries. You can discard those old clothes into the used clothing recycling box just around the corner. Give the papers and kitchen waste to the recycling truck.

Julia: What about batteries?

Shelly: They should be disposed of carefully. You know used batteries could be hazardous to our environment if they are dumped improperly. You can either give them to the recycling truck or put them in used battery recycling boxes.

Julia: OK. But I still don’t understand why we need to make a fuss over trash. It’s so hard to remember how to sort it.

Shelly: Oh, you should make it a habit to separate household garbage. For example, mercury leaked from batteries could contaminate the water we drink. The problem is far more serious than we imagine.

Julia: I see. Thanks a lot for your help. I should really brush up on my knowledge of environmental protection.

Shelly: No problem. Bye!